The National Watersports Festival on Hayling Islan...

The National Watersports Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend on Hayling Island – a three-day event celebrating everything to do with windsurfing and stand up paddle boarding.

The event annually attracts around 500 competitors who come to race, attend specialist clinics, have a gander at all the new gear in the trade marque, marvel at the pros as they perform freestyle tricks in floodlight and of course party into the wee small hours!

The event is also a huge draw for spectators with around 10,000 people annually making the pilgrimage to the Hampshire island to watch the racing, enjoy the live music (this year taking place both day and night) and mingle with the famous faces (Rio Olympic silver medallist, Nick Dempsey is attending, alongside the current world champion windsurf freestyle champion Dieter Van der Eyken who will be wowing spectators just feet from the shore).

It costs just £2 to enter the site (£1 of which will go to Rowans Hospice. Kids are free) where you can join in everything that’s going on including the brand new family activities which include a climbing wall and Lynx Helicopter to explore.

Grab some late summer fun and the best beach festival right on your doorstep, which all kicks off on Friday 2nd September at midday. The event is taking place at Inn on the Beach, Hayling Beachlands and there is ample parking for spectators. www.nationalwatersportsfestival.com

STRONG ISLAND MESSAGE

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